Job 34 9

Job 34:9 kjv

For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

Job 34:9 nkjv

For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.'

Job 34:9 niv

For he says, 'There is no profit in trying to please God.'

Job 34:9 esv

For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.'

Job 34:9 nlt

He has even said, 'Why waste time
trying to please God?'

Job 34 verses

Job 34 9 Meaning

Job chapter 34 verse 9 records Elihu's perception of Job's thoughts or statements. Elihu claims Job believes that striving for righteousness and taking delight in God offers no practical advantage or tangible benefit to a person. This implies Job, in Elihu's view, sees a disconnect between devout living and receiving prosperity or protection from God, suggesting that Job questions the divine justice system, feeling his uprightness has not yielded deserved returns.

Job 34 9 Context

Job 34:9 is part of Elihu's third discourse (Job 34-35) within the Book of Job. Elihu, a younger and seemingly more impatient figure than Job's three friends, positions himself as one speaking with insight beyond what the others have offered. He claims Job has been rash in his speech and has accused God of injustice. Specifically, Elihu interprets Job's laments and expressions of despair over his suffering – despite maintaining his innocence – as Job's conclusion that righteousness offers no benefit, making serving God futile. While Job questioned why the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer (e.g., Job 21), he consistently affirmed his trust in God's ultimate justice and never truly abandoned his integrity or denied the value of worship. Elihu's statement, therefore, represents his interpretation or exaggeration of Job's deep frustration and intellectual wrestling, rather than a direct quote of Job's words.

Job 34 9 Word analysis

• For (כִּ֣י - ki): A conjunctive particle, often meaning "for," "because," "indeed," or "surely." Here, it introduces the reason or basis for Elihu's assertion, linking back to his previous statement about Job speaking without knowledge. It reinforces that Elihu is presenting what he believes to be Job's core thought.
• he has said (אָמַ֑ר - amar): Hebrew for "to say," "to speak," "to declare." This perfect tense verb indicates a past action or an established belief Elihu attributes to Job. Elihu is portraying this as a firm conviction Job has articulated, directly or indirectly. The use of "said" allows for either direct quotation or interpretation.
• It profits (יִסְכֹּ֥ן - yiskon): From the root sakan (סָכַן), meaning "to be profitable," "to benefit," "to be advantageous," "to be helpful." It refers to material gain or personal advantage. Elihu is accusing Job of a mercenary view of serving God – that one expects a practical return on investment. The implied negation ("nothing") frames this profitability as absent.
• a man (גָֽבֶר - gaver): This Hebrew term refers to a "strong man," "valiant man," or "mighty man," not merely 'ish (אִישׁ) a general term for man. Elihu uses gaver to emphasize that even a strong, capable individual like Job, despite his righteousness, would gain no advantage from serving God in this perceived worldview.
• nothing (ל֗וֹ לֵאמֹ֣ר - lo lemor): Literally "to him, saying." The "nothing" is not a single word here, but conveyed by the negative particle lo (לֹא - not) earlier in the implied statement. Elihu's phrasing structure suggests he's framing a common cynical adage, rather than a direct quote, applying it to Job's situation. The syntax emphasizes the futility perceived.
• that he should take delight (מֵרְצ֖וֹת - meresot): From the root ratzah (רָצָה), meaning "to be pleased with," "to accept favorably," "to delight in," "to have good pleasure." This refers to a disposition of approval or joyful satisfaction. It's not just "serving" God but actively finding pleasure and satisfaction in Him. Elihu perceives Job as saying this deep devotion yields no positive outcome.
• in God (עִם־אֱלֽוֹהַּ - im-Eloah): Im means "with" or "in connection with." Eloah (אֱלֽוֹהַּ) is a singular form for God, often used in poetic and wisdom literature like Job, emphasizing God's uniqueness and power. The phrase signifies delighting "with" God, or having a positive, pleasant relationship with Him.

• "For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing’": This opening establishes Elihu's claim of Job's cynical viewpoint. Elihu believes Job has come to the conclusion that devotion is unprofitable, a direct challenge to the common understanding of God's justice. This assertion lays the groundwork for Elihu's argument that Job lacks true understanding.
• "that he should take delight in God": This specifies the object of the purported profitless endeavor – not just serving or obeying, but specifically finding delight or pleasure in a relationship with God. Elihu views Job's despair as leading to the belief that even the most joyful and devoted worship offers no tangible or beneficial outcome, especially in suffering.

Job 34 9 Bonus section

The concept expressed in Job 34:9 directly challenges the Deuteronomistic understanding of retribution theology, which posited that righteousness inherently brings prosperity and wickedness brings judgment in this life. While this theology has its place and is often true, Job's story, particularly Elihu's accusation here, demonstrates its limitations as a sole explanation for human experience. God’s ultimate vindication of Job shows that divine reward and justice operate on a plane beyond human comprehension of immediate material profit. Furthermore, this verse lays crucial groundwork for the New Testament's understanding of godliness. Paul in 1 Timothy 6:6 declares, "godliness with contentment is great gain," differentiating true spiritual profit from mere material or temporal advantages sought by false teachers. The ultimate profit in delighting in God is not worldly prosperity but communion with God Himself, spiritual growth, eternal life, and finding joy in His presence regardless of circumstances (Phil 4:11-13). Elihu, by asserting Job's "profitless" view, ironically sets the stage for God's majestic display of sovereignty (Job 38-41), reminding humanity that His ways are higher than their transactional expectations.

Job 34 9 Commentary

Elihu's assertion in Job 34:9 represents a fundamental theological challenge debated throughout the Book of Job: the motivation for piety. Elihu mischaracterizes Job, as Job consistently maintains his integrity and never utterly abandons God. Rather, Job questioned God's ways in suffering. Elihu, however, interprets Job's anguish and bewilderment concerning his underserved calamity as a cynical conclusion that godliness does not pay off. This hits at the core of true worship: Is it for external rewards, or is it an end in itself? The verse reveals Elihu's (and perhaps a common human) struggle to reconcile divine justice with the experiences of suffering by the righteous. While there are blessings for those who delight in God (Ps 37:4; 1 Tim 4:8), these are not always material or immediate, and true godliness values God Himself more than any derived benefit. Elihu, despite his misrepresentation, probes the heart's true posture toward God: is devotion mercenary, or is it borne of genuine love and trust?For instance, in life, if a person diligently serves in ministry, sacrifices financially, and lives by biblical principles, yet faces severe hardship (e.g., job loss, illness), they might inwardly wrestle with the idea: "Where is the profit in all my godliness?" This mirrors the thought Elihu attributes to Job, highlighting the human temptation to link righteousness directly and immediately to visible blessings. The biblical answer, often found through perseverance and deeper understanding, points to spiritual profit, character refinement, and an eternal hope that transcends earthly gain or loss.